The Macros, Learning, and Labels make it worth the $
Written: Mar 12 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Macros (command sequences) are awesome, remote learning is superb
Cons: Cost, Heavy - one-handed operation is tricky
The Bottom Line: Advanced remote very worthwhile if you have many components (especially non-standard) or a complex AV system setup
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| baj1's Full Review: Sony RM-AV3000 LCD Touchscreen Remote Control |
The Sony RM AV3000 has been a life-saver for us. We recently upgraded our AV amp and with all the additional features, we needed a higher-power remote.
Since this is currently a heavily reviewed item, I'll skip the specs and typical stuff and give you the low-down on some of the high-powered features.
The Macros are incredible. This may seem like a marginally useful feature or for those who are exceptionally lazy, but if your AV system setup becomes/is complex, you will really appreciate the ability to program macros. Essentially, it's execution of a series of commands. For example, if you are using multiple video inputs on your TV, changing between them ca n be a real pain. We have a one-button macro that now switches between VCR and DVD setup. One button power-up to watch TV, one button power-down. These control power to the TV, VCR, and amp and switch the amp and the TV to the VCR audio and video inputs. No more fumbling with 3 remotes and multiple button sequences.
The learning function of the remote is the best I've come across. We have had a number of learning remotes, including those with Onkyo and Yamaha AV receivers, but the RMAV3000 is the first that has learned all required functions without exception. This has been extremely useful as we have some non-standard components (Netgear MP101 Digital Media Streamer, Sony 200 CD changer, others). I also have more confidence about upgrading other components which will be newer than the codes in the remote. Most recently was the setup of "Zone 2" with our new amp to run the speakers in the other rooms (other than family room) in our house. We did this so we could be listening to MP3's in the basement while others were watching TVs or Dobly 5.1 movies in the family room. Pretty slick. However, the remote that came with our Yamaha amp was anything but easy when it came to the multiroom control. The Sony RM AV3000 made this a snap.
The custom labels for the learned functions is another huge plus over other learning remotes. No more guessing trying to remember what obscure button you assigned that useful function to - just add the description you want. Granted, all of this setup and customization did take a bit of time, but once it's saved in the remote, your good to go. The manual was a bit confusing at first (likely something lost in translation), but it can be decifered with a little effort.
There are a few cons with this remote. One-handed operation is tricky at best. I found it quite useful to use while perched on the arm of a cushy chair or sofa. The touchscreen is difficult to see with the backlight off and dim lighting (our typical TV/movie viewing mode). The display can be hard to view from acute angles, such as when reclined (again, with the remote on the arm rest). It would be nice if standard buttons like play/pause/stop/rew/ff were existing on the remote instead of the touchscreen, as these can be difficult to locate/press from acute angles. The factory-defined codes for several of our components were less-than-complete, requiring quite a bit of additional learning steps. Battery consumption is listed as 4AA/6 months. That's a bit excessive in relative terms, but still easily worth the price for the benefits gained. We've only had it for 4 months, so I can't comment on actual consumption, but can post an update later.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
baj1
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Reviews written: 19
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